NATO launches new online communication tool in the run up to Chicago

On 5 March, NATO launched a new interactive web platform called WE-NATO.

The aim of the www.we-nato.org site is for NATO to reach out and engage directly with, “netizens” around the world in an open and transparent way.

"The WE-NATO platform is an exciting new way for the public to engage directly with NATO and help shape our policies and thinking,” said Ambassador Kolinda Grabar, NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy.

WE-NATO aims to spur interaction on issues of critical relevance to transatlantic and global security as well as other issues related to NATO’s current agenda.

The site reaches out to academics, social media activists and bloggers, and others that have an interest in NATO.

“On the WE-NATO platform NATO officials will have live web discussion with academics, policy makers and global thinkers from across the world. We invite everybody to join in these debates. We want to listen to your comments and respond to them. We want to engage in a real conversation,” stated Dr Stefanie Babst, NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy.

The WE-NATO platform uses different formats such as livestream interviews, chats, written and video blogs, comment pages, and articles to interact with issues that interested parties feel need to be addressed.

The first live web-chat took place on 8 March featuring a discussion on female role-models and the United Nations Security Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security to mark International Women’s Day.

“NATO is becoming increasingly sensitive to gender equality, providing equal opportunities and having the best quality personnel at all levels. Currently 40% of staff working within the NATO structure are women and that figure is on the increase,” Ambassador Grabar stated.

Upcoming live web-chat topics include how NATO works with partner countries, other international organisations and NGOs, the ways in which NATO meets emerging security challenges, the impact of climate change on military strategies and planning and many others.

WE-NATO is the latest interactive communication platform that the Alliance has created. Other NATO tools include NATOChannel.tv, the official NATO website, and social media platforms such as Facebook, Google+, YouTube, Flickr and Twitter.

Join the discussion. Join the debate. Join us at WE-NATO.ORG, #askwenato.